During a campaign event in São José dos Campos on Wednesday (Aug. 26), Senate candidate Simone Tebet (PSB) demanded public explanations from São Paulo's former Public Security Secretary, Guilherme Derrite (PP), regarding allegations of corruption and organized crime infiltration in the state police leadership during his tenure.

Derrite led the São Paulo Public Security Secretariat for three years under Governor Tarcísio de Freitas before stepping down to run for the Senate. According to Tebet, Derrite must answer for investigations into alleged ties between law enforcement members and major criminal factions, including the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command (CV). She also cited administrative controversies, such as sidelining police colonels from strategic posts in favor of lower-ranking captains, as well as inquiries involving the Military Police general command.

While criticizing Derrite's record, Tebet acknowledged common ground with Governor Freitas regarding the transnational reach of organized crime. She defended the federal government's proposed constitutional amendment (PEC) on public safety, arguing that countering cross-border factions requires national coordination through a dedicated federal security ministry while maintaining state operational autonomy.

The confrontation highlights a tight race for São Paulo's two open Senate seats. According to a Quaest poll released Tuesday (Aug. 25) and registered with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) under number SP-06946/2026, Derrite holds 12% of total voting intentions, in a statistical tie with Marina Silva (12%) and Tebet (11%). Campaign activities and debates will continue leading up to the general election on October 4.